Vick, McCoy pass baseline concussion exams

ADVANCE FOR WEEKEND EDITIONS, DEC. 8-9 - FILE - In this Nov. 11, 2012, file photo, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick walks off the field in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Philadelphia. Vick, Matt Cassel and Kevin Kolb signed contracts totaling $225 million. They're 35-48 since inking those lucrative deals and none are assured a starting spot in 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Perez, File)

PHILADELPHIA – After two months of dark skies over the franchise that has included the firing of two coaches and the pending demise of Andy Reid as head coach, the Eagles finally had some sunshine peek through Sunday in a win over Tampa Bay.

Monday they found out that some other clouds were finally dissipating as well.

Quarterback Michael Vick and running back LeSean McCoy, both victims of concussion-delivering hits, both passed the baseline examinations on their brains, which means theoretically they could be back at practice Tuesday as the Eagles cram for their Thursday night game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

According to Eagles officials, Vick was sent home after the exam because he was sick. McCoy, meanwhile, was in the NovaCare Complex locker room briefly while it was open the media Monday afternoon, but declined to comment. However, Vick and McCoy almost certainly will not be in uniform Thursday, since both players have to get through a full-contact workout without any issues – and Tuesday is the only contact practice for this short work week – and must be cleared by an independent neurologist.

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While the Eagles have come to an agreement with Vick that, barring the unexpected, Nick Foles will start the final three games, there is nothing along those lines preventing McCoy from returning. His replacement, Bryce Brown, rushed for 347 yards in his first two starts in the Pro Bowler’s place, but was stuffed for just six rushing yards on 12 carries by the Bucs, who own the NFL’s best rushing defense.

Brown might have had a crash back to earth after two wild afternoons against the Panthers and Cowboys – games where his huge yardage totals were spoiled somewhat by fumbles – but the attention he got from Tampa Bay’s run defense allowed Nick Foles to exploit its porous pass defense.

Although it’s doubtful McCoy will be pressed into action Thursday, it’s likely he’ll be in the backfield for the final two games. Brown doesn’t mind if his feature-back status changes.

“I shared (the backfield) with Dion (Lewis),” Brown said. “I think it’s great. The more talented guys we’ve got in our corner, the better chance we have of winning.

“The coaches make the decisions, so I’m just going to follow the directions they give me … Whatever we do, I’m with it.”

The Eagles will face a more balanced defense against the Bengals. They rank seventh in the NFL in total defense, with both their rushing and passing defensive numbers better than the league median.

It will be a test for many of the young players pressed into action by injuries. Right tackle Dennis Kelly said that this is the first time he ever has had to prepare for a game with less than five days between games.

“This is my first time ever having a turnaround like this,” Kelly said, “so I’m just learning this process as it goes. The way we’re looking at is (do) double the preparation and we’ll be ready for it.”

Brown didn’t anticipate issues with the quick turnaround.

“I’ll do the same as always – spend a lot of time in the trainer’s room, doing the things I need to take care of my body,” he said. “This is the first time doing anything like this. It’s pretty crazy, but I’m looking forward to Thursday.”

While Vick and McCoy are on the road to recovery from their concussions, Brent Celek will have his 93 consecutive-game streak end Thursday after taking a shot to the head on the opening drive Sunday that left him concussed.

Even if Celek’s baseline test immediately came back clear, there wouldn’t be enough time in the next three days for him to get check marks on the other three concussion protocols to get the rubber stamp needed to be cleared.

That means Clay Harbor will have a chance to follow up his performance filling in for Celek Sunday. He had six catches for 52 yards and a touchdown. Foles went 6-for-6 when targeting Harbor.

“You can’t really replace Brent Celek. He’s a great all-around tight end,” Harbor said. “He blocks well, runs well and catches the ball well. I’m just going to go in there and do the best I can.

“It’s an opportunity for me to get on the field more and get more snaps, and really build confidence in the coaching staff and put some stuff on film there and show them what I can do. I’m going to take it as a good opportunity to get out there and get some good playing time.”

NOTES: In addition to Celek, defensive tackle Mike Patterson (pneumonia) is listed as out Thursday, although he was released from the hospital … Jeremy Maclin (groin), Evan Mathis (ankle) and Nnamdi Asomugha (neck, quad) came out of Sunday nicked, but were able to practice, and safety Kurt Coleman (chest) also was take part in Monday’s light workout.